Faith no bar, festive spirit envelops all

BENGALURU: Elvis Presley's Joy to the World plays in the background as last year's Christmas tree is dusted and brought out. One look at it and children of the Tewari family are quick to dismiss it. They then decide to go shopping and get home a new tree. Wreaths, holly, baubles, tinsel, fairy lights, hay, figurines and a crib also figure on the shopping list.This, the family says, is the best part of the season.
Christmas is no longer just a religious occasion for Christians. Transcending borders, it has transformed into a community celebration from a traditional family festival. Today, Christmas is about fun and frolic, warmth and bonhomie. Trees are out, stars are lit, cakes are baked and carols are in the air, whatever be the faith.
Childhood days in convent schools, Anglo-Indian neighbours and British-style churches get most old Bengalureans nostalgic about Christmas. "The strongest memories I have of the convent school are of the crisp air, the chimes, carols and holidays round the corner. When we sing Amazing Grace at the midnight mass, the voices echo in the old church building. I can wait to light lamps for Diwali, but not to put up Christmas trees once it is December 18," says Priya Chetty Rajagopal, executive director, RGF Search India.
Decorating the tree is the most exciting part, even for adults. Sachin Tantry, a lecturer at Jain University, recalls how he went shopping for embellishments and came home to realize that his Christmas tree is far too small for the items he bought. "The most fascinating part of the festival is Santa Claus. I have a snow house and a chimney at home, with a Santa sliding down. The sight lifts one's spirit like nothing else," he says.
At Piyush Narayan's home, the tree is in place but the beautification process seems never-ending. "We friends have been arguing on how to decorate the crib. We are still hunting for cute little goodies to adorn the tree," said Piyush, a techie with Wipro.
Look at any Christmas choir or carol group and you will invariably find a non-Christian in it. Raksha, a Christ University choir member, says it is a very busy time for them, thanks to the endless Christmas concerts. "We don't have a celebration at home. But I like singing carols at concerts. It encapsulates the festive spirit," she said.
"The festival is momentous. It brings with it the new year, hope and merriment. I still %visit the church at night," said Nidhi Kumar.